RECAP: Pia Wurtzbach in Miss Universe prelims, costume show

MANILA – Philippine bet Pia Wurtzbach is all set for the Miss Universe 2015 coronation night in Las Vegas on Sunday (Monday morning in Manila).

Wurtzbach is hoping to finally bring home the crown and be the third Miss Universe titlist, alongside Gloria Diaz in 1969 and Margie Moran in 1973.

She has big shoes to fill – her predecessors include MJ Lastimosa (Top 10, 2014), Ariella Arida (third runner-up, 2013), Janine Tugonon (first runner-up, 2012), Shamcey Supsup (third runner-up, 2011) and Venus Raj (fourth runner-up, 2010).

Last week, Wurtzbach got the stamp of approval from Tugonon, Arida and Lastimosa, describing her performance in the Miss Universe 2015 preliminary competition as “regal” and “flawless.”

Did you miss the preliminaries and the national costume show? Here’s a photo recap featuring our country’s bet this year.

Mobile users can view the desktop version of the slideshow here.

 source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

What Miss Universe contestants have to say about MJ Lastimosa

MIAMI, Florida – Miss Philippines wowed the crowd at the Miss Universe Preliminary Competition in Miami, Wednesday night.

The Philippines’ bet MJ Lastimosa made jaws drop as she showed off her perfect figure in a Yamamay two-piece swimsuit and as she elegantly wore a white gown designed by Colombian fashion designer, Alfredo Barraza.

Fellow beauty queens who got to know Miss Philippines throughout the duration of the pageant say they were captivated by Lastimosa.

“She’s such a loving girl,” said Miss Jamaica Kaci Fennell. “She’s so sweet. Oh my goodness, always smiling and just a heart of pure gold. I love her.”

“Miss Philippines, she’s a great human being,” said Miss Colombia Paulina Vega. “She’s so beautiful. She’s a total lady and she gave me a gift from the Philippines on my birthday. I really love it.”

“Philippines is a sweetheart,” said Miss Aruba Digine Zimmerman. “We love her. She has a great energy.”

But when Lastimosa came on stage wearing this colorful flower-power inspired national costume created by Barraza, netizens took to social media to express their dislike.

Some blamed the designer, comparing Lastimosa’s national costume to a floral wedding cake, a Santacruzan gown, or something that reminded them of favorite Filipino desserts such as halo-halo and sapin-sapin.

But for Miss Philippines, there is more to Miss Universe than just celebrating physical appearance.

“Because it’s not the boxed girl, the most stiffest girl will win,” said Lastimosa. “It’s the girl who enjoyed so much. It’s the girl who is willing to show her real personality. That’s what I’m trying to do now.”

On Sunday, only one of the 88 beauty queens will be crowned the 63rd Miss Universe winner in Miami.

Lastimosa says she can’t thank her Filipino fans enough for the support she received from them wherever they may be.

“It’s overwhelming, super fun,” said Lastimosa. “I did not expect that your love and support will be this strong. Let’s hold on and keep supporting me. Just a few more days till the pageant. So hopefully that night will be our night and hopefully we’ll be able to bring our third Miss Universe crown.”

Miss Universe airs live in the U.S. on Sunday and on Monday in the Philippines.

Read more on Balitang America.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com